The MINI Cooper S, a standard hardtop with two doors that is great for everyday use, has been transformed into a posh hatchback that is perfect for the royal family. The so-called royal Mini had been developed by Mini Design especially for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19th. The Mini Cooper S has been given a beautiful Crystal White finish with an intricate roof featuring a handmade, multi coloured graphic.

The paint has several layers and was also completed by hand. Furthermore, they had to ensure to combine elements of Prince Harry’s flag, the Union Jack, as well as Meghan Markle’s national flag, Stars and Stripes. There are five white stripes on the roof, which corresponds with the hood where there are silver and blue accent stripes that can also be seen on the rear fenders.

The side scuttles around the side turn signal indicators were made with 3D printing technology, and these were adorned by the “M” and “H” initials, with a heart in between the letters. To cap off the exterior changes, there are door mounted LEDs that will project the words “Just Married” on the ground.

As a solution to declining sales in the United States, BMW is considering turning Mini into a purely all-electric brand, according to a recent report. During the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, BMW board member who is in charge of Mini, Peter Schwarzenbauer, mentioned that Mini’s sales in America have noticeably gone down by 10 percent just in the last month. This is because the market has been leaning towards getting SUVs. Unlike Europe where people criticized the automaker for selling increasingly bigger Minis like the Countryman SUV, the US market thinks that the vehicle still is pretty small.

In fact, Schwarzenbauer said that it is only in the United States where the brand is facing this problem. And so this is why Mini in the US is looking into electrifying all their cars, turning the company into a brand known only for electric urban mobility.

A little over a year from now, Mini is actually planning to unveil an all-electric model. But if Schwarzenbauer’s plans are realized, it could be the only one offered in the US in the coming years, considering that it will be the only all-electric vehicle they have so far. BMW also mentioned that the electric model would be built in the UK, though he did not clarify whether the new plan from BMW means that the Mini will also use their United States factories to build electric cars.

Mini recently announced the newest version of the MINI, the limited-edition Blackfriars. It took inspiration from a historic portion of London, and it will exclusively be sold in France. Customers will only be able to get the three-door or five-door Hardtop model through the end of the year.

For a little bit of backstory, it was the robes of the Dominican monks who were living in that section of London that were given the name Blackfriars. And as mentioned earlier, this is where Mini took inspiration from. Therefore, the special edition Mini gets a matte black trim on both the B- and C-pillars. But those are not the only bits that are finished in matte black as this finish is also seen on the turn signals and Blackfriars badges. What finishes off the exterior look would be the 17-inch Cosmos Spoke wheels with dark accents.

The special edition Mini comes with some useful tech as well, such as automatic headlights and electrically folding mirrors.

In the late sixties, Mini was one of the few superstar vehicles in the rally scene for claiming a number of victories at the Monte Carlo Race throughout the years - this was around 50 years ago. And this year, the automaker developed a vehicle to celebrate the Mini's history, which we will see at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. However, Mini has already released photos of it - the MINI John Cooper Works GP Concept.

One of the board members of BMW AMG who is also in charge of MINI, Peter Schwarzenbauer, said that this creation is like driving fun in its purest form. He also said that the Mini John Cooper Works GP Concept is about unrestricted feelings of driving and levels of performance in motorsport.

Like previous Mini GP concepts, the John Cooper Works is quite flashy too - with wings, air intakes and carbon fiber, and an aggressive front clip that come with air intakes and carbon fiber front apron. More carbon fiber details have been used on the side skirts. There are flared arches on both the front and rear wheel openings that seamlessly blend into the huge rear wing and some aggressive add-ons that round off the vehicle's look. As for the paint job, Mini is not known for having bold and bright finishes, but it was finished in just the right combination of red, silver, grey and orange.

Finally, Mini is going electric, at least through a design study. Mini will be introducing the new MINI Electric Concept at the upcoming 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Dominating the city landscape is nothing new for Mini. After all, the carmaker has been known for its own concept of urban mobility that’s injected with the customary go-kart feeling. However, the Mini Electric Concept brings these attributes to a whole new level.

The concept treats urban mobility as a good platform from which it could launch its electric capabilities, as electrified vehicles are often suitable for short travels within the city because of their shorter range.

What has BMW been up to lately? The company recently announced that they are currently focusing on electrification, and so far, their new architecture will enable “electrification of every model series”. In other words, all brands and all models can already be electrified in the near future – as either a full-electric version or as plug-in hybrid powertrain one. The company plans to make these available by the end of the decade. There will definitely be more fully-electric vehicles in the next generation.

On July 25, the company confirmed that the fully electric MINI 3 door variant will be the company’s core model. But production for this model will not begin its production until 2019. By doing that, MINI customers will have more choices when it comes to powertrains. Soon, choices will range from petrol, diesel internal combustion engine, a plug-in hybrid, and a battery electric vehicle. Since it is the BMW Group that is starting this, the MINI’s electric drivetrain will first be built at the Plant Dingolfing and Landshut in Bavaria, before it gets shipped to the Oxford Plant where the MINI 3 door models are being built.

The Dingolfing and Landshut plants are vital to the company’s global production network as the company’s global competence center for electric mobility, said Oliver Zipse, BMW AG Management Board member for Production. He then added that their system can adapt to rapidly changing customer demands, and that it is innovative. Though they have not done this yet, they are confident that they can quickly increase production of electric drivetrain components quickly if it is necessary.

Peter Schwartzenberg, BMW's board member in charge of MINI, previously announced that MINI will be further modifying its business approach and will primarily focus on its "superhero" models.

For now, only 4 models have been unveiled to the public, but the 5th member is still shrouded in mystery. Only recently it has been rumoured that the 5th "superhero" in the likeness of an EV will supposedly launch in 2019, or so the sources say.

In previous months, the British automaker was developing and testing a pure electric vehicle but it is not certain if it will be launched to the global market as a volume unit or if it is intended as a niche model in selected regions, but it seems it will be the former.

Are you the type who loves traveling and exploring? Or are you one of those people who go on out of town trips spontaneously? If you are, we think this is the perfect car for you. Photos of the new MINI Countryman have been circulating around the net, and it is looking cooler than ever.

The British automaker says that this model is about the spirit of discovery. And we totally agree with them. MINI Countryman fits five passengers, it has a huge trunk capacity, an optional all wheel drive system, and now, it adds comfort and a more homey vibe to its passengers with its convertible roof tent.

Mini collaborated with Autohome to come up with this genius idea. Autohome is an Italian company that has been around for over 50 years, with a specialization in roof tents for automobiles. The inspiration of the design comes from both Mini’s product portfolio, combined with Autohome’s signature design.

Named after its size and compact qualities, we all know that Mini has been making the most out of space for some time now. So, what’s new with Mini, you ask? Nope, not a concept car, or a new Countryman. Instead, it seems like the automotive manufacturer took a break from building cars and is taking some time to explore green living and architecture.

The automotive company teamed up with New York based company SO-IL, to build what they call “MINI Living - Breathe”. The prototype was installed in the middle of a narrow courtyard in Italy for the duration of Milan design week, that was from 4 to 9 April 2017.

This installation, made with translucent white mesh exterior walls, is supported by a modular metal frame, and stands at four stories tall. It can accommodate up to three people and hold a total of six rooms, plus a minimalistic roof garden. This is definitely something we have not seen from Mini before.

Riding under a banner as an auto retro specialist, British specialty carmaker David Brown Automotive is introducing its second project after reinvigorating the coach-building market with its Speedback GT. This new retro model – the Mini Remastered – was intended to celebrate the best of British motoring and blend it with high-quality, traditional coach-building and modern technologies.

Just as its name indicates, the Mini Remastered is a modern reinterpretation of the classic icon, wrapped in a modern package yet handcrafted like the old days. To remaster this iconic vehicle, David Brown worked to retain its classic design and personality – as penned by legendary British-Greek designed Sir Alec Issigonis – while installing a new aluminum grille inspired by the company’s design language as well as chrome bullet-style door-mounted wing mirrors with LED puddle lamps. Its rear end features jewel-like LED rear light clusters and indicators, as framed by aluminum surrounds. David Brown also removed the bodywork seams.

Measuring 3,055 mm in length, 1470 mm in width, 1,330 mm in height and with a 2,035 mm wheelbase, the Mini Remastered features a completely new structure as well as exterior body shell, which means that while it looks and feels like the classic Mini, it is more rigid and more reliable. According to David Brown’s Web site, the Mini Remastered is powered by the original 1275-cc four-cylinder Mini engine that has been retuned and reconditioned to develop 78 bhp of max output at 5,700 rpm and 91 lb.-ft. of peak torque available at 3,900 rpm.

Do you want to have your MINI customized in the exact way you want it? Well, the brand can do that for you but you have to be willing to pay a small fortune. After the success of the crossover segment, Mini decided to release its second-generation Countryman - this time, with a wide range of equipment to choose from.

The entry-level model comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder with 134 horsepower (99 kW) and 162 pound-feet of torque. As with the top spec that has an engine of 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that can yield 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft torque, the price begins at $31,950. The standard is a six-speed manual, and to upgrade to an eight-speed automatic, you will have to add $1,500.

The Fully Loaded Package, which costs $6,000, is the most expensive add-on. It’s a combination of all the equipment you’ll get from the Technology Package, Premium Package, and Convenience Package. Plus many more including a luxury Harman Kardon stereo, parking assist, real-time traffic info, power hatch, and heated front seats. And if you want an adaptive cruise control feature, that’s another $1,000 out of your wallet.

Each time that Mini launches a new generation of the Countryman crossover, a John Cooper Works performance version is always expected to follow. When Mini unveiled the next-gen 2017 Mini Countryman at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, people were also expected the carmaker to release a JCW variant – especially that the current generation had one.

Now, it is official. Mini will be offering John Cooper Works version of the new-gen Countryman. Bound for launch for the 2018 model year, the new Mini John Cooper Works Countryman takes the Mini Countryman to a whole new level, both in terms of looks and performance. Mini is planning to unveil the new Mini John Cooper Works Countryman to the global public the Shanghai Motor Show in April 2017, with sales in the United States set to commence in the same month.

Even at a glance, the new Mini John Cooper Works Countryman exudes a fusion of athleticism and versatility. It is also laden with a number of features that distinguish it from a typical Countryman. Measuring 169.8 inches in length, 71.7 inches in width and 61.3 inches in height, this performance version of the Mini Countryman has been given a number of model-specific features like the John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit. This kit includes the large air intakes in the front apron and a model-specific roof spoiler. The Mini John Cooper Works Countryman is also provided with LED units as headlights.

Let’s just admit it – the MINI Countryman John Cooper Works is a crossover that is not just hot-looking but is also an elegant sporty performer. This is why each time that Mini unveils a new Countryman crossover, sporty minded customers are already watching out for the John Cooper Works performance version of this vehicle.

Just recently, Mini unveiled the next generation Mini Countryman – starting 2017 model year -- at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show. And since the previous generation had a JCW version for almost every model year, the next-generation Countryman is also heavily expected to have its own variant. Right now, Mini is probably in the final stages of completing the John Cooper Works version of the Countryman. Not a few are expecting that the Countryman that has been tested at the Nurburgring throughout the year is the next JCW version.

However, it remains a mystery how the next Mini Countryman John Cooper Works would look like. At the Nurburgring, the Mini Countryman believed to be the JCW was wrapped in camouflage so the appearance of this performance-oriented version was far from being totally exposed. However, the camouflaged Mini Countryman clearly reveals larger air intakes on the front bumper, new side skirts, a modified rear bumper and newly designed alloy wheels.

Just recently, Guinness World Record made official the record for the fastest two-wheeled side wheelie. Done in late August this year, Vesa Kivimaki achieved a top speed of 115.742 mph (186.269 km/h) with his BMW 335i Coupe to set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest two-wheeled side wheelie. This is a difficult feat, even though it was made at a flat runway.

But how about doing a two-wheeled side wheelie on the Nurburgring Nordschleife? This would be a greater challenge, in terms of either distance or speed. However, Chinese stunt driver Han Yue – piloting a prepped MINI Hatchback -- has just set a new distance record for two-wheeled side wheelie at Nurburgring.

The Nurburgring has been regarded as a definitive one-lap test that has become a yardstick that measures the true worth of production cars. This 12.93-mile (20.81 kilometers) circuit -- technically a public road sans the speed limit – features sweeping curves, significant climbs and drops as well as variable surfaces, and a straightaway that stretches for more than a mile. Truly, Nurburgring is a challenging course where many have tried and continue to try setting new records in terms of distance and speed. And to try to set a new distance record while doing a two-wheeled side wheelie at Nurburgring is a very amazing feat indeed.

Back in 2011, Mini introduced what was then the Mini Paceman Concept at the North American International Auto Show and not long after, the British automaker brought this subcompact, three-door crossover SUV to production. The production model was unveiled in 2012 with similar choices as those of the Countryman, ranging from a two- or four-wheeled version to a 1.6-liter petrol or diesel engine and a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder diesel-powered engine.

BMW then announced in early 2015 that the Mini Paceman will no longer continue its line of quirky crossovers. It was reported in September that this unconventional crossover SUV will go out of production by the end of this year, leaving behind only three generations.

However, a new report from AutoExpress says that a “spiritual successor” of the Mini Paceman might be introduced in 2018. We learned this after an interview with BMW Group design chief Adrian van Hooydonk hinting that the British automaker is considering a new lineup for the Countryman which will serve as an “indirect replacement” for the Paceman and will be named the Countryman coupe.

MINI is giving out an early Christmas treat for their fans – a brand new hybrid drivetrain for its first hybrid model complete with an electric range of 24 miles and a 1.5-liter turbo-three engine.

It is by far, the most important feature of the second-generation Mini Countryman, built from the experience of creating the all-electric Mini E as well as the lessons learned from BMW’s i3 and i8 plug-in vehicles. Complete with all the functionalities of a standard car as well as an all-wheel-drive capability, the new Cooper S E Countryman is made extra special with a healthy dose of efficiency.

This new plug-in electric vehicle is installed with a dual-powertrain setup in such a way that a turbocharged, 1.5-liter inline-three engine sits right under its hood while an electric motor sits pretty right under the luggage floor around the back of the car. The former is capable of producing 134 horsepower and 162 lb.-ft. of torque, with all of this power sent to the front wheels via its six-speed automatic transmission.

MINI revealed that it will be premiering its 2017 Countryman during the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, specifically on November 18, 2016. The MINI, as a brand, has long been known for following tradition. With the 2017 MINI Countryman, the brand is revealing what may be the most versatile and, likely, the biggest, offering in its 57 years of operation.

In addition to being newly developed, the 2017 Countryman shows innovations when it comes to premium qualities, a sporty appearance, space, and functionality. Through this new model, the brand hopes to move its strategy forward under the premium compact segment.

When fitted with the all-wheel drive system the MINI Countryman is able to attain excellent figures with regards to efficiency. The all-wheel drive is available to all engine types as an option. This newest AWD boasts of being compact while being able to deliver on a new level when it comes to internal efficiency. The brand revealed that the AWD system can even react fast and do so in a precise manner should the situation change.

Mini has just provided the world with a preview of its first hybrid model that employs petrol-electric power to propel its wheels. Derived from the second generation of the Mini Countryman that is bound to be released for the 2017 model year, the Mini plug-in hybrid would mark the brand’s first entry into a system of propulsion that employs not only a conventional engine, but also an electric motor.

The preview of Mini’s first hybrid vehicle – albeit in camouflaged form – was conducted by Sebastian Mackensen, head of Mini brand management, and Peter Wolf, head of Mini series management preview. This preview comes as the new Mini hybrid is now in the final phases of series development. This means that soon enough, there will be a new hybrid version of the Mini among the brand’s elegant offerings.

At a glimpse, it would be difficult to recognize the prototype as a hybrid model since Mini has discreetly integrated the charging socket for the high-voltage battery in the left Side Scuttle. To start the Mini hybrid, the driver just has to press the yellow start/stop button in the center of the dashboard. Making use of the electric motor’s silent operation, the Mini hybrid is set to start in electric mode, provided that the battery has enough electric charge.

The arrival of the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will mark another milestone in the British brand’s exclusive line-up. In fact, its world premiere is expected at the upcoming 2016 Paris Auto Show. Given that, it probably won’t hurt if we’ll have our own sneak peek and see what MINI has added to boost its iconic premium compact segment.

Just like any other John Cooper Works models, the Clubman is equipped with a sports car-themed cockpit, aerodynamically enhanced exterior plus its exclusive package of engine and suspension systems. Other model-specific standard features include the advanced steering wheel and cruise control w/brake function, Radio MINI Visual Boost, Comfort Access, Park Distance Control, MINI Driving Modes and the iconic LED headlights.

Aside from the fully enhanced power transmission (both on the rear and front wheels), the Clubman now has the new Performance Control system among its standard features. Moreover, the 2nd generation model now comes with a great deal of equipment such as the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) unit with Dynamic Traction and Electronic Differential Lock.

MINI has unveiled a Vision Vehicle that epitomizes what the marque considers as an entirely individualized, permanently available form of urban mobility of the future – the MINI Vision Next 100. Presently, the MINI is considered as the ideal premium compact car for the modern urban world. However, rapid changes have been observed, especially with the advancements in terms of digitalization and connectivity.

Personal mobility in the future would be greatly different from today, but MINI expects it to be defined according to the changes that continually occurs. With the new MINI Vision Next 100, MINI hopes to find the perfect response to those changes. The MINI Vision Next 100 is underpinned by a core philosophy that entails thoughtful use of Earth’s resources in providing personal mobility. Moreover, the motto "Every MINI is my MINI" depicts the brand’s take on the future of car-sharing. In this vision of the future, MINI sees its customers able to call on a MINI that suits their personal tastes anywhere and anytime.

This means that the MINI of the future would be able to pick up its driver at any hour and at any place in a fully automated manner and would be to adapt itself to his or her tastes, interests and preferences. This is where fully connected digital intelligence comes in.